Bracelet for wrist-watches



June 23, 1959 w. MULLER BRACELET FOR WRIST-WATCHES Fil ed Aug. 16, 1957 4'Sheets-Sheef. 2

Stairs ate Patented June 23, 1959 BRACELET FOR WRIST-WATCHES Wilhelm Miiller, Birkenfeld, Wurttemberg, Germany, as- ?iignor to Wilhelm Kolb, Wurttemberg, Germany, a

Application August 16, 1957, Serial No. 678,686 Claims priority, application Germany August 31, 195 6 vClaims. (Cl. 224-4) This invention relates to a bracelet of the clamping or gripping type and consists ,of a clamping spring, that is to say, 'a curved leaf-spring covered up on both ends by sheath-like coverings provided with means for fastening them to the lateral fastening means of the watch-case. Already known to the artfare clamping bracelets in which there are provided on both sides of the watch to be fastened hooks or cords for securing the watch in its position on the bracelet. These fastening means for the watch are freely and noticeably arranged on the bracelet or on the covering means of the latter and do not permit a satisfactory adaptation to the appearance of the watch to be fastened. It is for this reason that there have been manufactured already clamping bracelets provided with leaf-springs in which the ends of the curved leaf-springs are inserted on both sides of the watch to be fastened into openings or slots of a bracelet covering of leather or artificial material. However, clamping bracelets of this type have, because of the unconcealed slots for the insertion of the clamping arms a rather clumsy and unsightly appearance, so that they are not particularly well suited for use as ladies Wristwatches.

From this the bracelet of the present invention differs in that there are slipped from both ends onto the curved leaf-spring flexible sheath-like coverings of leather, artificial material or flexible metal netting provided with an inner curved leaf-spring-arm fastened within the sheathlike coverings by means of adhesives or through rivetting, whereby the leaf-spring arms extend right through the covering to the free end of the latter and terminate at the opposite open end in means, particularly hook-ends, adapted for fastening the coverings to the watch-case. In a construction like this the fastening means at the watch-case cover up the insert openings in the coverings for the pushed-in spring arms, so that a particularly useful clamping bracelet of pleasant appearance is produced which can be applied to practically any type of watchcase. As the leaf-spring-arms extend right through to the free ends of the flexible coverings, an unsightly standing-out of the free ends of the coverings from the arm of the wearer is reliably prevented. Furthermore, when the long and continuous leaf-spring and the two leafspring-arms laterally slipped onto it by means of the coverings are, differently curved, a dropping-off of the leaf-springarms and flexible coverings is reliably pre vented even when the bracelets are dispatched without the wrist-watches attached to them.

. 'Accordingly, the sheath-like coverings slipped on both ends onto the continuous leaf-spring can be formed from leather or artificial material with the leaf-spring-arms merely inserted into them or fastened in them by means of adhesives, or the coverings are formed as an elastic hose from a metal netting provided with the leaf-spring arms merely inserted into them or fastened in them throughrivetting, whereby the leaf-spring-arms or their coverings terminate in fastening means, particularly of the hook-end kind, for fastening them to the fastening means of the watch-case. In this way there is obtained,

independent of the shape of the watch-case and even when the coverings are not completely slipped onto the continuous leaf-spring, a snug clinging of the free ends of the coverings to the arm of the wearer, and an undesired loosening of the clamping-arms and coverings from the arm of the wearer is reliably prevented. And finally, there is achieved, when the coverings are not completely slipped on, that only one spring element rests against the pulse of the arm of the wearer, so that an undesired degree of pressure against the pulse is avoided.

In order to prevent the fastening pins at the watchcase of gentlemens or ladies Wrist-watches from becoming detached from the spring arms, at least one of the hook-ends of the slipped-on coverings may be devised as a snap-hook, that is to say, provided with a rearwardly extending flap-like spring portion. And it is [further possible to devise the slipped-on coverings in such fashion that their leaf-spring-arms terminate in two curls or loops positioned on both sides of the fastening means of .the watch-case, for example of ladies wrist-watches, or that there are provided cord-loops for the fastening of the wrist-watches.

The stability and lifetime of the bracelet of the invention may be further improved if the bracket is provided beneath the slipped-on outer coverings with reinforcing coverings consisting preferably of strips of artificial material heat-sealed at the edges, for example PVC-material, in which the curved leaf-spring-arms and their fastening ends are accommodated. The heat-sealing at the edges prevents the coverings from tearing particularly at the ends where the leaf-springs are inserted, and the presence of the two leaf-springs guarantees a lasting clamping construction and a soft spring pressure.

These coverings of artificial material may on all sides, preferably on their outer surfaces, be covered up by strips of leather, which at the edges of the coverings are folded down and there overlapped by a leather strip applied to the inner surface of the coverings of artificial material. In this way there are produced coverings with lasting qualities, and which snugly and softly cling to the arm of the 'wearer.

Finally, the clamping bracelet of the invention may be made particularly suited for connection to ladies wrist watches equipped with lateral fastening means, by providing the hook-ends of the leaf-springs with a central recess in such a way that the hook-ends can be hooked to the free ends of cross-pins seated in the bores of the lateral fastening means. Furthermore, if the hook-ends terminate in curled end-portions, these curled end-portions may be likewise provided with a central recess, so that they can be fastened at the fastening means of the watch-case through transversely extending screw-fastening-means.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be understood from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which several embodiments of the invention have been shown by way of example. However, I wish to say that the invention is not confined to any strict conformity with the showing of the drawings but may be changed or modified, so long as such changes or modifications mark no material departure from the salient features of the invention as expressed in the appending claims.

. In the drawings Figs. la and lb are a side view, partly in section, of the clamping bracelet secured to a wrist-watch;

Fig. 2 is a rear-view of a clamping-arm-covering of a bracelet as per Figs. 1a and 1b;

' Figs. 3 to 5 are a side view, a rear view, and a partial topview of a clamping-arm-covering 0f the second form of construction;

Figs. 6 to 8 are a side view, a rear view, and a partial top-view of a clamping-ann-covering of the third form of construction;

Figs. 9a and 9b are a side view, partly in section, of another form of construction of the bracelet;

Figs. 10 is a rear View of a clamping-arm-covering of a bracelet as per Figs. 9a and 9b;

Fig. 11 is a top view of the bracket of Fig. 9a without the wrist-watch;

Figs. 12 and 13 are a side view and rear view of a clamping-arm-covering of artificial material heatsealed at the edges;

Figs. 14 and 15 are a side view and a rear view of a leaf-spring-arm;

Figs. 16a and 16b are a side view, partly in section, of another form of construction secured to a wristwatch;

Fig. 17 is a rear view of a clamping-arm-covering of a bracelet as per Figs. 16a and 16b;

Fig. 18 is a top view of a bracelet as per Fig. 16a;

Fig. 19 is a top view of a bracelet as per Fig. 16a without wrist-watch;

Figs. 20:: and 2% are views, on an enlarged scale, of a cross-pin with or without screw chuck for the bore in the fastening shoulders of the watch-case;

Figs. 21a and 21b are a side view, partly in section, of the last form of construction of the clamping bracelet secured to a wrist-watch;

Fig. 22 is a rear view of a clamping-arm-covering of the bracelet of Figs. 21a and 21b;

Fig. 23 is a side view of a curved leaf-spring-arm for the clamping-arm-coverings as per Figs. 21a to 22;

Fig. 24 is a rear view of the fastening end of the leaf-spring-arm as per Fig. 23;

Figs. 25a and 25b are views, on an enlarged scale,

of screw-fastening means, prior to and after the fastening means have been screwed together.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 to 8, the bracelet of the first form of construction consists of a curved clamping-spring or curved leaf-spring 1 onto which on both sides of the watch sheath-like coverings 2 provided with openings 3 have been slipped. These sheath-like coverings terminate in fastening means, such as hookends 4, adapted for engagement at watch-case fastening pins (see Figs. 1 and 2) secured in eyes 5 of shoulder pieces screwed to the watch-case on both sides of the latter; or the sheath-like coverings terminate in cord-loops 6 likewise adapted for engagement at shoulder pieces of the watch-case (see Figs 6 to 8). The aforesaid sheath-like coverings 2 leather or artificial material, and inserted into them and fastened within them by adhesive means or otherwise are curved leaf-spring-arms 7 which may themselves terminate in hooks 4, eyes 5 or cord-loops 6.

These spring-arms 7 guarantee that also in cases where w the sheath-like coverings 2 are not completely slipped onto the main-spring 1the degree of covering depending upon the width of the shoulder pieces of the watch-case-the free ends of the sheath-like coverings snugly sling to the arm of the wearer and that they do not stand out from it in an unsightly and objectionable manner. The sheath-like coverings 2 may be provided, in addition to the curved spring-arms 7 resting against the outer circumference of the coverings also with a lining 8 resting against the inner circumference of the coverings and extending as far as the opening 3 and serving as a protective lining for the coverings during the insertion of the leaf-spring 1 into or during its withdrawal from the covering 2. Preferably there is at least one hook-end of the coverings 2 provided with a rearwardly extending fiap 9 which elastically rests against the hook-end; or one of the hook-ends in devised in snap-hook-iike fashion, to thereby prevent the undesired disengagement of the hook-ends from the watchcase. Finally, the portion of the leaf-spring 1 posimay consist of tioned between the two slipped on sheath-like coverings 2 is covered up in suitable manner by an additional covering 10 of leather or artificial material in order to prevent the leaf-spring 1 from resting at this place directly against the arm of the wearer.

Instead of manufacturing the sheath-like coverings from leather or artificial material, as illustrated, it is also possible to produce them from a hose of metallic netting and to fasten the inserted leaf-spring-arms in the mesh-work through rivetting, whereby either the leaf-spring-arms or the mesh-work coverings terminate in means for fastening them to the watch-case.

According to another form of construction, illustrated in Figs. 9 to 15, the clamping bracelet consists of a clamping insert or leaf-spring 1a onto which are pushed from both ends sheath-like coverings 2a terminating at the opening 3a. These coverings 2a consist of sheath-like coverings 4a of artificial material heatsealed at the edges (see Figs. 12 and 13) into which are pushed clamping-arms 5a (Figs. 14 and 15) provided with end-fastening means for fastening them to the watch-case, for example hook-ends 6a, whereby the clamping-arms extend throughout the entire length of the coverings 4a. These coverings 4a of artificial material are pasted to the hook-ends 6a of the leaf-springarms 5a by means of end-flaps 7a. Pasted onto the outside of the coverings 4a of artificial material is further a leather strip 3a which is folded down at the edges of the coverings and here covered up by a leather strip 9a pasted onto the inner surface of the coverings, so that the clamping coverings 2a are completely covered up by leather.

For the safe and simple connection to the watch-case 10a, illustrated in Fig. 9, one of the hook-ends 6a may be devised in snap-hook-like fashion through rivetting of tongues 111a onto the clamping-arm 5a, while the second hook-end 6a merely consists of a short hook 6a. Pushed onto the leaf-spring 1a may be further an additional covering 12a which covers up the leaf-spring la between the two coverings 2a and terminates in the coverings 2a, as illustrated in Fig. 11. Preferably the covering 12a consists likewise of leather and is of the same width as the coverings 2a, so that a bracelet of symmetrical appearance is produced.

According to the next following form of construction, illustrated in Figs. 16 to 20, the clamping bracelet consists of a leaf-spring 1b onto which from both ends are slipped clamping coverings 2b which terminate in openings 35. These coverings 2b consist, for example, of coverings of artificial material 4b, heat-sealed at the edges and into which clamping-arms 5b provided with hookends 612 are pushed and secured in position through adhesives, whereby the clamping-arms 5b extend throughout the entire length of the coverings 2b. The hook-ends 6b are each time provided with a central recess 7b, so that they can be secured, as will be described later, to ladies watch-cases provided with shoulder parts. Onto the outside of the coverings 4b of artificial material may be pasted a leather strip 811, which is folded down at the edges of the coverings and there covered up by a leather strip 91) pasted onto the inner surface of the coverings, so that the coverings 2b are completely covered up by leather.

For securing the coverings 2b to the ladys watch, illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17, the watch-case 10b is provided with shoulder-pieces 11b and with cross-pins 12b seated in the bores of the shoulder-pieces, whereupon the hook-ends 6b of the coverings 2b are simply hooked onto the free ends of the cross-pins, whereby the leaf-spring lib passing beneath the watch'case takes care of an elastic support of the watch.

The cross-members 12b consist of pins provided with pairs of oppositely winding screw threads and with conically tapering screw chucks 13b for the fastening in the transversely extending bores of the shoulder pieces 11b of the watch. The conically tapered chucks in combination with the oppositely winding threads permit a fastening of the cross-pins 12b at practically every watch-connecting-structure 11b regardless of the inner width of the transverse bores, intended originally for the connection of cords.

Over the leaf-spring 1b may also be slipped a covering 14b which covers up the leaf-spring between the coverings 2b of the clamping-arms and which terminates in these coverings 2b, as shown particularly in Fig. 19. Preferably the covering 14b may also consist of leather and be of equal width as the coverings 2b, so that a bracelet of symmetrical appearance is produced. Finally, the central recess 7b at the hook-ends 6b of the clampingarms 5b may be provided with covering caps overlapping the fastening means 11b at the watch-case. This, however, has not been illustrated in the drawings.

In the last form of construction, illustrated in Figs. 21 to 25, the clamping bracelet consists of a curved leafspring 10, onto which from both ends are slipped clamping-coverings 2c terminating in openings 30. These clamping coverings 2c consist, for example, of coverings of artificial material 40, heat-sealed at the edges, and in which are seated curved leaf-Spring-arms 5c terminating in curled end portions 60. The arms 5c are either merely inserted into the coverings 4c or secured in them by adhesives and extend throughout the entire length of the coverings. The curled end portions 60 are provided with a central recess 7c, so that they can be fastened, as will be described later, to ladies wrist-watches provided with shoulder pieces for the fastening. On the outside the coverings of artificial material 40 may be covered by a leather strip (not shown here) which is folded down at the edges and covered up by another leather strip applied to the inner surface of the coverings, so that the coverings 2c are completely coated with leather.

The curled end portion 60 is formed by a flap 8c folded backward and coated preferably also on its underside 90. This form of construction permits-as compared with the aforedscribed form of construction-a reliable fastening, whereby also injuring of the coating at the curled portion is avoided.

For the connection of the watch 100 provided with the shoulder pieces 11c serves the cap-screw 12c, 13c illustrated in Fig. 25. The cap screw consists of a screw-cap 12c and of a screw provided with stop-peg 130. In this way too much tightening of the two curled portions 6c is reliably prevented.

Also in this case a covering 14c can be slipped over the leaf-spring passing beneath the wrist-watch 10c, which covering 14c then covers up the leaf-spring 1c between the two clamping-coverings 2c and then terminates in the two coverings. The covering 140 should preferably likewise be formed from leather and be of equal width as the two coverings 20, so that a bracelet of perfectly symmetrical appearance is produced, if desired, the central recesses 70 between the curled portions 60, may

also be provided with covering caps overlapping the fastening means at the watch-case, which, however has not been illustrated in the drawings.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A wrist watch holder comprising, in combination, a leaf spring having a center portion and a pair of curved spring arms; and a pair of holder means for holding a watch on said center portion of said leaf spring, each holder means including a flexible pocket member having an opening at one end, and a curved spring member located in and secured to said pocket member and extending to the other end of the same for maintaining the pocket member in curved condition, at least one of said members having a fastening portion projecting from said opening; said spring arms passing through said openings into said holder means, respectively, for detachably supporting said holder means, and said holder means being slidable on the respective spring arms independently of each other while being held by resilient engagement between said curved spring arms and said curved spring members and being adjustable between a plurality of positions in which said fastening portions of said two holder means are spaced diiferent distances from each other for holding watches of different size on said central portion of said leaf spring, said holder means being of substantial length and adapted to embrace and resiliently engage a wrist in said positions.

2. A wrist watch holder as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spring members are adhesively secured to said pocket members, respectively.

3. A wrist watch holder as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said spring members has a hook-shaped end consituting said fastening portion and wherein said pocket members have extensions forming flaps projecting over said openings and being adhesively secured to said hookshaped fastening end portions of said spring members to cover the same.

4. A wrist watch holder as set forth in claim 3 wherein one of said hook-shaped [fastening portions is bent upon itself to snap on to a watch, and wherein the other hookshaped fastening portion is short and open.

5. A wrist watch holder as set forth in claim 1 and including a cover secured to and enveloping said central portion of said leaf spring and extending into said pocket members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,711,985 Begney May 7, 1929 2,186,089 Baker Jan. 9, 1940 FOREIGN PATENTS 462,549 Italy Mar. 23, 1951 774,428 Great Britain May 8, 1957 789,135 France Oct. 3, 1935 1,110,617 France Oct. 12, 1955 

